The Party in the Back Podcast on Gameops.com

Jeff Munneke has been part of the Minnesota Timberwolves organization since 1988, helping shape the fan experience for nearly four decades. From ticket sales and youth basketball to leading fan experience for both the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx, Jeff has built his career around one simple philosophy: "One Moment Creates a Memory." As Vice President of Fan Experience, Jeff oversees w...

In the June 2026 episode of Party in the Back, host Jon Cudo sits down with longtime San Antonio Spurs performer, author, and experience-architect Rob Wicall to explore what he calls the "Wicall Experience". This is the idea that game presentation is not primarily about entertainment, but about creating community, connection, and transformation. Wicall explains that fans don't attend games simply...

The May 2026 Party in the Back podcast features a conversation between Jon and Erik Mertens, the Director of Fan Experience for the Tri-City Dust Devils and known as "Erik the Peanut Guy." Jon and Erik explore the fundamental differences between pacing and storytelling across sports, noting how the structure of each game shapes the show. In hockey, the speed limits opportunities, forcing hosts to...

The April Party in the Back podcast dives into a deceptively simple idea that sits at the core of great game presentation: not everything can be “big.” The conversation opens with a sharp critique of overproduction, summed up in the phrase “you’re doing too much.” When every timeout is loud, every segment is hyped, and every moment is treated like the main event, the result is the opposite of what...

Jonathan Bravo brings a fresh, creative voice to Minor League Baseball as the Director of Marketing & Communications for the Fresno Grizzlies. A Fresno State graduate with a business administration degree focused on sports marketing, Bravo joined the organization in 2020 and quickly grew into a leadership role shaping the club’s brand and fan-experience strategy. Today he leads the development...

This episode dives into one of the hottest evolving trends in sports entertainment, fan-driven traditions sparked by Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs’ new post-game drum celebration that keeps fans in their seats long after the final buzzer. Jon and Rob break down how these organic, European-style supporter traditions are gaining traction in North American sports and why mascots play a...

This episode traces the full arc of Robin “Rolo” Lopez’s legendary relationship with mascots, from its childhood roots to its impact on modern game presentation. Rolo recounts how he and his brother Brook first began needling mascots as kids, a dynamic that hardened into a true “villain origin story” after a 1997–98 encounter with Warriors’ mascot Thunder, who mocked his speech impediment — a mome...

In this episode, Jon Cudo welcomes three industry standouts—Amanda Greco, Rob Wicall, and Cameron Hughes—to help reimagine recognition in the first-ever Cudos to You Awards . Amanda Greco breaks down the art of “Excellence in Execution,” showing how research, rehearsal, and calibration turn ambitious ideas into unforgettable fan experiences. She highlights standout examples like the Denver Broncos...

In this episode, Jon Cudo is joined by two beloved voices in the world of Minor League Baseball entertainment: Erik “The Peanut Guy” Mertens and MiLB storyteller Benjamin Hill. Erik kicks things off with his “Let’s Get Nutz” Award, celebrating the game ops moments that unite fans through spontaneity, humor, and pure joy. From Rick Rizzs’ magical Ichiro Night sing-along in Seattle to Lake County’s...

The Party in the Back Podcast holds a Roundtable Discussion regarding the Best of 2019 Awards on Gameops.com . Host Jon Cudo is joined by three industry giants who take the party to the next level. The Guest List includes: Game Operations Maven and former Director for the LA Kings, Cleveland Cavaliers and veteran of the Olympics and NCAA Tournament Amanda Greco. MILB's best writer and the Boss at...

In this episode of The Party in the Back Podcast, host Jon Cudo announces an exciting new chapter for the long-running GameOps.com Best of Awards. After years of recognizing excellence through a competitive ranking system, the awards are evolving into a more celebratory and inclusive format — the “Cudos To You” Awards. This refreshed approach shifts the focus from competition to appreciation, shin...

In this episode, we sit down with Keb Pound, creator of The Stupid History Minute, to explore how short-form comedy storytelling can supercharge sports entertainment. Keb’s 60-second history lessons prove that brevity doesn’t mean sacrificing impact — it can sharpen it. By “flipping” common narratives, zeroing in on quirky details, and applying stand-up timing, Keb creates memorable, shareable con...

We are talking Ghostbusters on the April 2024 Party in the Back Podcast. President of Business Operations from the Fort Wayne Komets Scott Sproat and Jon Long Manager the Event Presentation & Creative Content for the Edmonton Oil Kings join the podcast to talk about their success with this Movie theme night. Scott and Jon drop insights on all aspects of their promotion, including: Approvals an...

In this episode, we sit down with Dan Meers as he reflects on his incredible 35-year journey as KC Wolf, the beloved mascot of the Kansas City Chiefs. From humble beginnings as Truman the Tiger at the University of Missouri and a season as Fredbird with the St. Louis Cardinals, Dan shares how he transformed KC Wolf from a game-day entertainer into a symbol of character, faith, and community impact...

Don Costante has spent more than 30 years shaping the way fans experience live sports, and in this episode he shares insights from his groundbreaking book, Beyond the Scoreboard: The Ultimate Guide to Sports Event Presentation. From NBA Finals to World Series moments, Don’s career has been about more than games—it’s been about creating unforgettable memories for fans, teams, and sponsors. We dig i...

Marketing expert Ondar Tarlow joins Jon Cudo to share real-world strategies, smart brand activations, and how AI is reshaping the creative process. It’s 30 minutes packed with insights every team marketer should hear.

How do you keep a stadium laughing without crossing the line? In this episode, we explore the fine line between humor and risk in live sports entertainment with veteran performers Jon Cudo, Rob Wicall and Cameron Hughes.

David Ratz from the iconic Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp joins the Party in the Back to talk about keeping things weird, why a 'laugh track" might not be a great idea and the best ways to get arrested at the ballpark.

A young 13 year old singer forgets the lyrics to the National Anthem in 2002, creating two of the most amazing sports anthem moments you will ever see....22 years apart. This month we party with the man in the middle of both moments, Blazers Game Director Todd Bosma.

We party with with San Diego Gulls Host Kaz Egan discussing the details of the Gulls’ Bill Walton Legacy Night. Plus Rob Wicall probes in on Cudo’s recent article and the new MascotLink.

Andrew Johnson from the Houston Texans is our guest, he tell us why he was MADE TO BE A MASCOT...and how that story has now inspired a children's book. Plus school show and social media insights from this NFL leader.

We party with Erik the Peanut Guy and Rob Wicall. Erik the Peanut Guy shares his interesting journey from peanut vendor to having a lifesize Bobblehead in front of the Stadium. Then Rob Wicall is back to talk about mascot batteries and breakfast meats.

The Best of 2024 Awards Audio Roundtable on Gameops.com. Industry insiders Ben Hill and Amanda Greco join Host Jon Cudo with the winners and most influential teams and promotions of the year.

A solo party to talk about nomination for the Best of 2024. Includes a look at some of the current industry, best practices and inspirational work from across sports. Plus a blast of energy from an unexpected guest.

A familiar voice joins the pod. Voice of the Brooklyn Nets Olivier Sedra is our guest to talk about the craft of PA Announcing and Hosting.